Dear White Oak Families,

As we move into the heart of the school year, the amount of new learning and school-

related activity increases. You will notice homework becoming a bit more challenging,

more tests given, and extra projects and school-related events occurring more fre-

quently. Coupled with the usual family obligations and after school activities, our fam-

ily lives can feel overwhelmed.

Do not be alarmed! This is quite common at this point in the year. Our job as parents is

to take a deep breath and model for our children how to fight the increased stress.

One way is to get organized. Make a list of what is due at school in terms of projects

and school-related events. Encourage students to get started early on long term projects

or in preparing for tests. Completing a little each day makes the task much easier.

Also, prioritizing is important. If you are in a time crunch, putting your resources into

that which is due the soonest makes the most sense. However, do not neglect those

things which will be coming up. Put them on the calendar so they don’t sneak up on

you.

Finally, take time to decompress as a family. Have some fun. Visit the park, go hiking,

play ball at the park or go to a movie. Show your children that family is important and

is deserving of time.

Sincerely,

Anthony Karch

Principal

Principal’s Message

F E B R U A R Y / M A R C H 2 0 1 5 V O L U M E 1 5 , I S S U E 3

WHITE OAK ELEMENTARY

SCHOOL

2201 Alscot Ave. Simi Valley, CA 93063

(805) 520-6617 www.whiteoak.simi.k12

.ca.us White Oak Elementary

PTA Simi Valley Council

12th District California State PTA

CCPTS

Principal Anthony Karch

PTA President Nicki Volkmar

Wildcat Wire Editor Stacy Thompson

Inside this Issue

PTA President

message

2

Fundraising 3

AR Stars and

Life Skill Awards

4/5

APEX RUN 6

Food for

Thought

7

Gold Members 8/9

Parent Info &

Social Media

10/11

Kid’s Corner 12/13

Upcoming

Events

14

2

Our Bond Work on campus is moving right along. Buildings A and B are completed.

Contractors are now working on the Kindergarten Buildings and should be finished in

April. The classrooms look great as they now have new tile, data drops, electrical im-

provements, cabinets, doors, and paint. The bathrooms have been renovated as well.

The kindergarten playground will be redone with new play equipment installed. Hope-

fully there will some money left over to resurface our blacktops and do a little exterior

painting.

2014-2015

PTA

executive

Board

President – Nicki Volkmar 1st VP/Programs – Shelly Sorrell 2nd VP/Ways & Means – Amy Flowers 3rd VP/Membership – Annmarie Boland Secretary – Teri Dantes Treasurer – Jamison Malone Auditor – Tom Boland Historian – Lisa Clinger

PTA President’s Message Hello Wildcats and Parents,

I sincerely hope that everyone had a great holiday season and a great

first month back at school. It is hard to believe that we are already in Febru-

ary. Before you know it, summer will be upon us. Before that happens, we

have some really fun and exciting things planned. This month on February 27

we will have our Annual Father/Daughter Dance. It is a favorite so I hope that

all of our daughters can make it.

In March, we have the BOGO Book Fair and are always looking for

volunteers to help during set up, during class library times, and before and

after school. If you can volunteer even a half hour of your time, please go to

the website and sign up! http://whiteoaksimi.my-pta.org

We will also have a Reading Raiser, also known as a Read-A-Thon

for the first time. I am very excited and know the kids will be too. It will run

much like the Fun Run but pledges for minutes read. It will start on March 2

and go through April 7th. More information will be going out soon so make

sure to look for it.

We have had a great year and I feel that the rest of the year will go

just as well. Please e-mail me with any questions (nickivolkmar@gmail.com).

Sincerely,

Nicki Volkmar

White Oak PTA President

BOND WORK

3

Labels for Education

Please collect your Labels for Education and turn them in to the

school. We are looking forward to turning the labels in for sup-

plies and more for the students. You can find these labels on a va-

riety of items ie: Bic, Campbell's, Prego, V-8, Dannon, Pace and

more. Please cut them out and send them in with your student.

Thursdays

Student Store

We will have the student store each Thursday at lunch and after

school. The students LOVE the store because they get to make de-

cisions on their own and they learn how to make change as well.

We ALWAYS need volunteers to help out from 11am-1:30pm on

Thursdays. You can go to our website at:

www.whiteoaksimi.my-pta.org

Through spring, 2016

Simi Valley Town Center “Shop Smart School Rewards”

Log receipts at Guest Services to help White Oak earn $250 to

$2,500. (Or deliver your receipts to school to the attention of Jes-

sica Waye/PTA. She will log them and return them to you!) Sign

in at special events to earn 500 points each time! In the past, we

have used mall rewards to buy things like iPads for classroom

use.

All year

Box Top$ for Education

Clip Box Top$ and tape them to collection sheets (or simply put

them in an envelope or bag with your child’s name) and turn them

in to school. White Oak earns 10 cents per box top. It really adds

up! (No expired tops please) Please remember to include your

child’s name, grade, and teacher on each sheet. For collection

sheets, see http://www.boxtops4education.com/collectmore.

http://www.boxtops4education.com/collectmore

4

AR AWARDS – First Semester September 2014 October 2014

November 2014 December 2014

Stephen Delos Reyes Dylan Do Nollyn French Hugo Gerth Jordan Goldberg Tyler Hartley Jake Kennedy Ryann Londgdon Violet Lukashenko Landon MacDonald Nicholas Notaro Aubrielle Plaster Adryn Ramelb Anna Reinhart Savanah Roberson Rachel Tsui

Chad Agruso Xander Almeida Robyn Calloway Ella Carrasquillo Isabelle Chan Shelby Eason Joel Hoffman Kendall MacDonald Emily Mohammadi Thomas Murphy Joy Oh Sadie Powell Rory Richards Samantha Rios Sabrina Stevenson Maya Tauber

Sofia Arakelvan Anthony Armanvous Kaylee Arreola Caleb Canizalez Ella Dantes Lucca Debiase Andrew Hall Emma Henderson Kelsey Larock Katrina Nguyen Izabella Pacleb Benson Plaster Westin Quartararo Justin Rodriguez Kaitlyn Salanga Nathan Simms Gino Sintich

Kylie Arellano Savannah Azzi Michelle Boland Aaron Dinh Levna Do Nathan Gonzalez Tony Guzman Madelyn Herzer Davis Hoffman Andrew Kennedy Faith Madsen Tyler Mazziotta Julian Perez Sofia Sandoval Andy Thomas Jealdabran Trochez Noah Vazquez

5

Doane 3rd Grade Hailey Ginniver Bryce Guffee Madison Lafountain-Spacey Sienna Milner Benson Plaster Isaiah Sieman Sabrina Stevenson

Hansen 3rd Grade Landen Adair Anthony Nguyen Shayla Tirado

Rienhart 3rd Grade Sofia Arakelyan Georgia Frankel Nicholas Jeries Ryann Longdon Crystal Lopez Karlie Mirolla Derek Parrillo Ryder Sharts Brody Thomas

Farrar 4th Grade Samarah Azzi Savannah Azzi Katrina Nguyen Brianna Perez Adryn Ramelb Victor Rondon Joshua Yates

Guenthner 4th Grade Raina Batshon Adriana Carriera Matthew Cuccias Lucca Debiase Ruby Devere Daniella Garcia Nicolas Hernandez

Marina Jones Faith Madsen Ruby Mirolla Joy Oh Nathan Olivas Omar Rahmat

Ibbott 4th Grade Chelsea Clinger

Caroline Finkbeiner

Samuel Gover

Naomi Hanks

Emma Henderson

Sydney Ma

Brandon Mars

Emily Nhou

Julian Perez

Jaime Salas

Derek Sorrell

Hannah Stevenson

Kyleigh Stewart

Carissa Volkmar

Jessica Wade

Meelad Zarrabi

McAllister 5th Grade Cierra Campos Brinn Corrales Brooklin Egan Donna Gonzalez Elijah Hanks Jazmine Martinez Vincent Pacleb Marco Perez Melia Rafeh Yoana Valero Kiara Zobelein

Rosales 5th Grade Layla Carriera Haley Madsen Robert Milburn Rhea Patel

Sadie Powell Anne Marie York

Carriera 5th Grade Melissa Boland Leah Chaussee Kendall MacDonald Gino Sintich Daniel Thompson

Dowling 6th Grade Anyssa Castaneda Leyna Do Jenna Jacobson Britney Kennedy Taylor Parks Ashley Persson Connor Radtke Maya Tauber Taylor Theroux Chris Volkmar Jordyn Wagner

Lipman 6th Grade Jillian Arnold Claire Azaam Melanie Clinger Sara Crawford Chris Espinoza Eric Frederich Trevor Jones Kaylin Loftin Emma Lomas Michael Mathiyakom Emily Mohammadi Amaia Pascual Tiffany Pugh Gabriela Ramirez Anna Reinhart Janelle Rodriguez Jessica Teal Scarlett Vera

Life Skills Awards - First Semester

6

APEX RUN Thank you to all White Oak families for your support

of the APEX Run. As we continue to collect pledges

it appears as if we will raise approximately $20,000

for classroom supplies and field trips! Although us-

ing a company to help us run the jog-a-thon was a

new concept for White Oak, it was a huge success.

Students responded positively to the character educa-

tion program and the frequent visits from APEX

staff. They liked the prizes and they loved the run.

Hopefully next year it won’t be so windy so we can

have the giant tunnels and tents as part of the course.

Overall, it was a great experience!

7

Special Dietary Needs

At this point we have all been around someone who has a special dietary need. Nut allergies, lac-tose intolerance and gluten sensitivities (to name a few) are issues we hear about daily. These things were-n’t even on the radar for most of us parents when we were growing up. What is going on? There are many theories as to why our food allergies and sensitivities are on the rise. A few of the popular ones: Monsanto is taking over our food supplies and poisoning us, our excessive cleanliness inter-rupts the normal development of the immune system (Hygiene Hypothesis), and then of course there are those who say it’s all in our heads (Psychosomatic). No matter what we believe, this issue is not going away. Food is a huge part of our, or any, culture. So how do we include everyone in the occasion? Since the focus here is the children, let’s put the issue in familiar terms – a child’s birthday party. Last year the Huffington Post ran an article titled, “Why Do Your Kid’s Allergies Mean My Kid Can’t Have a Birthday?” That certainly provoked some people! Now, that author was likely trolling, but this thought is a (sometimes) unspoken complaint that’s out there. To take a quote from the Huffington Post article, “What is gluten, nut, and egg-free AND also store-bought that I can serve at a kindergarten class party?" Therein lies the frustra-tion of those not ensconced in the food allergy/sensitivity life. Here are a few helpful tips from Boston Children’s Hospital Blog to keep in mind when hosting a party or providing snacks anytime, anywhere:

Get to know your guests early. We should all get in the habit of asking about allergies ahead of time

– include it on the party invitation or email.

Work with parents to keep kids safe. Ask for tips or help from other parents in prepping/serving safe

foods.

Let someone know if you’re uncomfortable. Are you in charge of a child who came packing an

EpiPen? Do you know how to use it? Be sure to ask!

Make children feel safe – but not singled out. The time you take to ensure everyone is included can

make a huge difference in the life of a child (and their parents!)

There are countless more items that could be included but I’m hoping not to overwhelm anyone! Par-ents of children with food allergies/sensitivities often feel isolated, frustrated, worried and certainly stressed. I have a friend who has one child with sensitivity to corn (can you imagine, eliminating every food that con-tains corn syrup?) and another son with gluten sensitivity – she has to watch everything!

The topic of food allergies has to be on everyone’s radar – whether it affects your immediate family or not. Even if you’ve not yet been in a situation where another parent hands you a substitute dessert so their child has a safe option at your child’s party – chances are it’s going to happen at some point. When it does, will you be baffled or immediately accepting? Something as simple as your reaction in that situation can make a huge difference AND it will set a positive example to others in the future.

If you have any tips or helpful ideas on this, or any other topic – be sure to share with me.

Sincerely, Jen Zobelein jenzobe@yahoo.com.

8

9

THANK YOU!

We want to say a big THANK YOU to

Hair by Valyrie @The Shop at 4387 Cochran St.

for donating to our Fall Festival and for becoming a

Gold Member!

805-587-2788

Advertise your business here for

only $50.00!

Email izoblu8@yahoo.com for

more information.

THANK YOU Gold Card PTA Members! We appreciate your support! To become a Gold Card Member, contact Annmarie Boland at izoblu8@yahoo.com. The cost is only $50 and we will include your business in every issue of the Wildcat Wire for the

CONGRATULATIONS to our January Membership drawing winners.

They each received a $5.00 gift card to Starbucks. The winners are: Mike

Kamerman, Shelly Sorrell, Young Oh, Isabella Ginnetti and Kimberly

Ma.

mailto:izoblu8@yahoo.com

10

California Child Re-

straint Law Birth to 16

years

Children under age 8 must be properly

buckled into a car seat or booster in the back seat. Children age 8 or older, or who are 4’9” or

taller, may use the vehicle seat belt if it fits properly with the lap belt low on the hips,

touching the upper thighs, and the shoulder belt crossing the center of the chest. If chil-dren are not tall enough for proper belt fit,

they must ride in a booster or car seat. Exemptions: A child under age 8 may ride in an appropriate restraint system in the

front seat if:

• There is no rear seat.

• The rear seats are side-facing jump seats.

• The rear seats are rear-facing seats.

• The car seat or booster cannot be installed properly in the rear seat.

• All rear seats are already occupied by

children seven years of age or under.

• Medical reasons require that a child cannot ride in the rear seat. Proof of

the child’s medical condition may be required.

• However, a child cannot be trans-ported in a rear-facing car seat in the front seat that is equipped with an ac-

tive front passenger airbag.

Protect Your Child –It is the Law!

In California, for each child under 16 who is

not properly secured, parents (if in the car) or drivers can be fined more than $475 and get a point on their driving records.

White Oak Website

Did you know that White Oak has a great website?

You can go on to check out upcoming events and check

to see what days we are out of school. Be sure to check

the last edition of the Wildcat Wire and see if you see

your student in the Veteran’s Day pictures. Be sure to

check out the PTA link as well.

Our address is:

http://whiteoak.simi.k12.ca.us/

Pick Up and Drop Off Procedure

► Pull into the school driveway, pull forward and around

to the left as far as possible, and stop at the curb.

► Drivers must stay in their cars. Do not exit to open

trunk or doors.

► Students should exit to the curbside with their back-

packs.

► Do not motion for your child to come to you unless you

are at the curb.

► No double parking. Do not allow children to cross the

street without you.

DOUBLE PARKING Please do not STOP in the middle of the

street to let your kids out on Nelda St. Not

only is this illegal but it endangers the

children and it delays everyone else that is

behind you. Please pull up to the curb in

an open space or drop off in the parking

lot.

11

12

http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/taxonomy/term/3250

13

Berry Heart Parfaits Ingredients:

1 pint of blueberries

8 strawberries stemmed

2 C of plain greek yogurt

1 tsp. Strawberries Preserves

Preparation:

1. Divide Blueberries between 4 (7-8oz) cups

2. Slice strawberries lengthwise and notch the top

To make it look like a heart

3. Place 5 strawberries inside of cups to see the heart shape

4. Mix yogurt and preserves together and place on top of blueberries

Additional toppings: mini chocolate chips, granola or what ever your child enjoys

Vinegar Volcano!!!

What you need:

1. Baking Soda (make sure it is not baking powder)

2. Vinegar

3. A container to hold everything and avoid a big mess!

4. Paper towels or a cloth (just in case)

Instructions:

1. Place some of the baking soda in your container.

2. Pour in some of the vinegar

3. Watch as the reaction takes place!

14

February

2-14 Valentine’s Day

2-16 President’s Day

2-27 Father Daughter Dance

March

3-2 thru 4-7 Read A Thon

3-2—3/6 Book Fair We always need volunteers. Please go to our website to sign-

up. http://whiteoaksimi.my-pta.org

3-6 ELAC meeting

3-9 School Site Council Meeting

3-13 No School Staff Development

3-27 Author Visit– We are excited to have author Jody Rake visit our school.

Jody is an author of a variety of children’s books. She will be coming to speak to

our children and to sign books. Jody is a White Oak Elementary Alumni as well.

A flyer will be coming home soon.

3/24 Association Meeting –Board elections for 2015/2016

3/30 thru 4-7– SPRING BREAK

4/3 Good Friday

4/5 Easter

March Madness!

We will be having a Spring Basketball Tournament at recess and lunchtime for

students in grades 5, 6. If you are interested in helping referee and coach

please send an email to; anthony.karch@simivalleyusd.org.

The mention of any business or service in

this publication does not imply an endorse-

ment by the White Oak Elementary School

PTA.

mailto:anthony.karch@simivalleyusd.org